The company, Hobie Cat produces catamarans, kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, and other watercraft.
Founded in the 1950s, Hobie Cat Company, which operates in the US and France, is known for its high-quality and durable products.
Angling enthusiasts love the wide selection of fishing kayaks offered by Hobie Cat, usually called Hobie for short.
In this article, I will list the top Hobie Cat fishing kayaks. So whether you’re looking for a standard fishing kayak or a particular type, like an inflatable or sailing kayak, there’s something here for everyone.
Before we begin, here’s a brief summary.
Quick Summary
- All Hobie Cat fishing kayaks come with a MirageDrive pedal drive and Kick-Up Fins that retract upon impact and allow for kayaking in shallow waters.
- The Mirage Pro Angler 12 and 14 are great if you’re looking for something standard. For something smaller, consider the Mirage Passport 10.5 R.
- If an inflatable kayak suits your needs, try a kayak from the Mirage iTrek Series. Tandem kayaks are available as well, including the Mirage Compass Duo, the Mirage Oasis, and the Mirage iTrek 14 Duo, the latter being an inflatable tandem kayak.
- For something unique, you can consider the Mirage iTrek Fiesta, which is an inflatable kayak with four seats, or the Mirage Island, a tandem kayak with a sail.
Before continuing with this article, you might want to check out our guide to buying a fishing kayak, which will definitely come in handy when trying to decide on a fishing kayak.
Best Hobie Cat Fishing Kayaks
1. Mirage Pro Angler 12
Let’s start with the bread and butter of Hobie’s fishing kayaks: the Mirage Pro Angler series.
The Mirage Pro Angler 12, at 12 feet long, is a standard-sized fishing kayak with incredible stability.
It comes with the MirageDrive 180, a pedal drive system that is designed to utilize the power of your legs to get you where you need to go quickly and with minimal effort.
What makes the MirageDrive 180 different from other fishing kayaks with pedal drives is the patented Kick-Up Turbo Fins attached to the drive. These fins kick up when they come into contact with logs, rocks, or other underwater obstacles, allowing you to fish in shallow waters.
First released by Hobie in 1997, the Kick-Up Turbo Fin system became incredibly popular among anglers, as kayaking in shallow waters with the addition of a pedal drive can sometimes be a challenge.
The kayak comes with six fishing rod holders, including two vertical and four horizontal holders, allowing you to maximize your fishing experience.
The retractable skeg helps you stay on course and maintain stability while minimizing underwater collisions.
In addition, anglers will enjoy the pivoting tackle management system, allowing you to access your tackle from any position while fishing with minimal hassle. The mesh storage protects the two tackle boxes in the tackle management system, which come included in your purchase.
At the same time, the Hobie H-Rail helps you mount your accessories and the front and center hatches provide plenty of space for your stuff.
The Guardian Transducer Shield helps keep your transducer safe in case of impact and can retract during transport. If you want side scanning, you’re in luck, as the built-in transducer mount lets you do just that.
2. Mirage Pro Angler 14
The other kayak in the Hobie Cat Mirage Pro Angler series is the Mirage Pro Angler 14. At 14 feet long, it is similar to the Mirage Pro Angler 12, but longer.
The comfortable seat comes with barrel adjusters, and you can raise the seat by five inches to help you gain a wider view.
The seat is breathable and comfortable, allowing you to rest comfortably on those long fishing trips.
Of course, it comes with other features we already mentioned, such as the transducer shield, six rod holders, and Kick-Up Turbo Fins.
3. Hobie Pro Angler 12 With 360X Drive
While the MirageDrive 180 does allow you to reverse your kayak using levers that pull a cord, it can still be somewhat of a hassle.
If you prefer ultimate maneuverability while fishing, I’d recommend upgrading to the MirageDrive 360. This kayak comes with it already installed, and it allows you to maneuver your kayak in any direction at any time.
You will never have to struggle with steering with the MirageDrive 360 pedal drive, so it’s worth the price.
Otherwise, the vessel itself is pretty similar to the one that comes with the 180 drive. There is a 14-foot version as well.
4. Mirage Passport 10.5
If you are in the market for something slightly smaller, there is the Mirage Passport 10.5 R.
It comes with a solid hull made of rotomolded plastic and provides extra stability for your fishing expeditions.
This kayak is a lot cheaper than the previous versions, and for a simple reason. It has the MirageDrive with Glide Technology, which doesn’t have as many capabilities as the 180 or 360 drives.
It simply propels the kayak forward as you pedal with your legs but without reversibility. The design helps the kayak “glide” on the water in a smooth manner.
It is efficient and comes with Kick-Up Fins. However, these are not Turbo Kick-Up Fins, which are faster and have a wider surface area.
They still allow you to kayak without any problems in shallow water, as they will kick up if they hit any obstacles or rocks.
If you are looking for an affordable kayak (as the Hobie Pro Angler series can be quite expensive), the Mirage Passport is an excellent choice.
The steering system comes with a stowable rudder, so maneuvering the kayak is an incredibly smooth experience. There is an accessory track, storage space, and two rod holders.
All in all, the Mirage Passport 10.5 R is a great, medium-budget fishing kayak from Hobie Cat.
5. Mirage Passport 12.0 R
If you are looking for a more affordable kayak but need something longer than 10.5 feet, there is always the Mirage Passport 12.0 R.
While it doesn’t come with a transducer built in, it does have a fish finder cavity to allow you to install one. In addition, it provides the ability to install a shallow water anchor.
For shallow water kayaking, you’ll also benefit from the MirageDrive with Glide Technology and Kick-Up Fins.
For storage, you have an eight-inch hatch that you can twist and seal shut and storage areas in the bow and stern where you can secure items with bungee cords, complemented by two rod holders and two accessory mount tracks.
There is also the option to upgrade the storage hatch to a rectangular hatch.
6. Mirage Compass
The Mirage Compass is a good mid-range kayak from Hobie Cat. With the MirageDrive 180 pedal system, you can propel the boat forward and backward, and it comes with Kick-Up Fins as well.
The twist-and-seal hatch not only provides plenty of storage but comes with a bottle opener. Just be aware of the rules, laws, and risks of drinking alcohol while kayaking!
It comes with sail and bimini mounts as well as an H-track accessory mount. The fish finder cavity makes it easy to install a transducer.
Overall, the Mirage Compass is smooth, easy to maneuver, and turns very well. The tracking keel, which is molded in, helps you stay on course, while the rudder retracts on impact to prevent damage.
If you don’t know what a keel is, check out our article explaining the anatomy of a kayak.
It has a flat deck for standing while fishing, and it is incredibly stable.
7. Mirage Compass Duo
Most of Hobie Cat’s fishing kayaks are only designed for one person. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a tandem fishing kayak, they’ve got you covered.
This tandem kayak has two pedal drives. One is the MirageDrive 180, which allows the boat to be propelled backward.
The other drive is a Mirage Drive with Glide Technology. Both drives have Kick-Up Fins.
There are two comfortable seats and four H-track mounts, so each kayaker has room for their accessories. Of course, there is enough storage space for two anglers as well, with a hatch and bottle opener in front of each seat.
In the bow, there is a mesh-covered storage area, and there is an extra storage well in the stern with bungee cords.
A drink holder is provided for each passenger.
In the deck, there is an optional mount for a sail mast. A place for a Lowrance fish finder is also provided. Finally, the boat comes with a kick-up rudder and a tracking keel.
8. Mirage iTrek Ultralight
Are you looking for the lightest, easiest to carry kayak? Look no further than the Mirage iTrek Ultralight, which is the lightest inflatable fishing kayak by Hobie Cat.
It weighs a mere 20 pounds, and you can easily fit in a bag or backpack and carry it in your trunk. You can even take it on your flight!
Even though it weighs so little, it can carry up to 350 pounds.
Despite being an inflatable kayak, it comes equipped with the MirageDrive with Glide Technology and Hobie Cat’s patented Kick-Up Fins.
Its breathable seat and steering handle mounts on both the right and left sides of the seat make it convenient and comfortable. The EVA standing pads and cupholders mounted on the seat only add to its comfort and convenience.
You can transform it into an SUP as well. If you don’t want to use the pedal drive, no problem!
Simply use the accompanying three-piece SUP paddle to turn it into an SUP.
The boat comes with both a manual hand pump and an electric pump.
If nine feet aren’t enough for you, check out the Mirage iTrek 11, which still only weighs 28 pounds but has a 400-pound weight capacity.
9. Mirage iTrek 14 Duo
If you are looking for an inflatable kayak but need something for two people, you’re in luck. Hobie Cat’s Mirage iTrek 14 Duo is an inflatable tandem kayak.
It comes with two breathable mesh seats with aluminum frames and two MirageDrive with Glide Technology pedal drives.
Each seat has a seat-mounted cupholder, and there is a detachable rudder system that can be placed to the right or left of the seat, depending on whether you’re right or left-handed.
The EVA deck pads located in front of each seat make standing easy, making it perfect for fishing. In terms of storage, there are storage spaces in the front and rear where you can tie down items using bungee cords.
A high-pressure hand pump and an electrical pump are included, as is a three-piece paddle in case you want to ditch the pedal drives. Inflating and deflating the boat is easy due to the locking valves, which lock into the pump during inflation and lock open during deflation.
Transporting this kayak is incredibly easy, as the kayak comes with a wheeled, rolling storage bag. Furthermore, there are carry handles conveniently located on either end.
10. Mirage iTrek Fiesta
This inflatable kayak is one of a kind, as it has room not just for two people but for four. The seats are positioned in a two-by-two position, with four MirageDrive with Glide Technology pedal drives.
The Fiesta is aptly named, as fiesta translates to party in Spanish. It’s great for family and other group outings.
The two front seats actually turn backward, allowing those sitting in the front to face those sitting in the rear. This allows for improved flow of conversation and for playing cards or other games while on the water, a truly unique experience.
The triple-chamber inflatable kayak is made of 550-denier material, making the kayak incredibly durable. While there are four pedal drives with Kick-Up Fins, there is one central steering system.
Like other inflatable kayaks from Hobie Cat, it comes with both an electric pump and a hand pump. It also comes with a storage bag with multiple carry handles, making transporting this kayak easy.
The kayak itself has carry handles in the front, rear, and both sides. There is also a rear cargo area with bungee tie-downs for storing a cooler or other equipment.
11. Mirage Tandem Island
If you thought the Mirage iTrek Fiesta was out of this world, wait until you see what the Mirage Tandem Island is all about.
While it’s a tandem kayak that only allows for two people, not four, it comes with a sail that lets you fly and glide over the water with incredible speed.
A kayak with a sail? Yes indeed. Until you try it, you will never know how fun and useful it is.
If you want to hunt the big fish and get from point A to point B with minimal wait, this is the kayak for you. Harness the power of the wind while enjoying the two MirageDrive 180 pedal drives, which both come with Turbo Kick-Up Fins.
Plenty of storage space is included. There are three eight-inch twist-and-seal storage hatches: one in front of each seat and one in the rear.
Furthermore, there is a big storage hatch in the bow with an additional storage space on top of the hatch with bungee cords.
With dual rudder control, steering this vessel is incredibly simple. All in all, if you are looking for something a bit different and more outlandish than your average fishing kayak, this is the choice for you.
12. Mirage Oasis
If you need a lot of storage but don’t need something as outlandish as the Mirage Island, consider opting for the Mirage Oasis, a tandem kayak perfect for campers.
It has three eight-inch storage hatches. There is one in front of each seat and another in the back.
There is also a large bow hatch for underdeck storage, with extra bungee cords and storage space on the top for overdeck storage.
The twist-and-stow retractable rudder adds convenience, while the sail mount allows for the optional addition of the Mirage Sail Kit, purchased separately. Meanwhile, the built-in rod holders make fishing easier.
13. Mirage Revolution 13
Finally, we have the Mirage Revolution 13. It comes with a single Vantage CT seat that allows for extra visibility while providing top-notch comfort.
The two integrated rod holders will make your life easier. Meanwhile, the optional bimini adds plenty of shade for those hot sunny days.
This kayak has an awful lot of storage space. There is an eight-inch hatch with a bottle opener in front of the seat and another in the rear.
There is a large bow hatch in the bow with an extra storage space on top of it and another large cargo area in the rear, secured with bungee cords.
Wrapping It Up
Hobie Cat offers plenty of options for anglers.
Whether you are looking for something standard, an inflatable kayak, or a sailing fish hunter, you have plenty of options.
What’s more, they are affordably priced and suited for every budget.
Simply go to any of the product pages linked above to find local dealers near you.
